Restoring faded trim pieces

[Realism]

I've used a number of things to try and get my black trim pieces back to their original color, but nothing seems to last long. Came across a channel "BleepinJeep" on youtube that showcased using a heat gun on the trim pieces to return it to its original coloring. Seems to have worked out well for him, going to try it on mine at some point. I can understand the concept of why this would work and how the slight reforming with heat on the top layer only would return the proper sheen.
Just food for thought.

 

[Blckshdw]

This technique had been discussed a while back, and I remember a few members having great success with it as well.

 

[Capote]

This technique had been discussed a while back, and I remember a few members having great success with it as well.

Pretty much the only long-term solution. Usually trim with that texture is hard for paint to stick too, even with adhesion promoter.

 

[Blckshdw]

The SEM Bumper Coater I used about 5 years ago has adhesion promoter and a flex additive in it, which has held up great. Of course, that's more prep work than pluggin in a heat gun and going to town...

 

[hockeyman]

I've been using this stuff for the past 5 or so years:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FIU54BW/?tag=gmtnation-20

It's currently the best trim restorer I have ever used. It came in a shoe polish container a few years ago, but that is no longer offered. Don't know why. I guess you can either use the applicator that they provide, any type of disposable sponge or buy some empty foam-top containers on ebay. I've used it on all of the fading trim of my Acadia last year and it still looks new.

*This is important if you buy and try it; Be sure to wear rubber gloves and old clothing when handling it. Ask me how I know...

 

[Mektek]

Try solvents. I have a can of Dupont mid coat adhesion promoter. It's mostly acetone and toluene. I wipe the exterior black trim pieces that have turned grey and it dissolves a thin layer. Use an old rag and plastic bread bag as a glove - the solvent will eat through neoprene and latex gloves.
I did the bumpers and side trim - looks like new

 

[Sqrly]

I've been using this stuff for the past 5 or so years:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FIU54BW/?tag=gmtnation-20

It's currently the best trim restorer I have ever used. It came in a shoe polish container a few years ago, but that is no longer offered. Don't know why. I guess you can either use the applicator that they provide, any type of disposable sponge or buy some empty foam-top containers on ebay. I've used it on all of the fading trim of my Acadia last year and it still looks new.

*This is important if you buy and try it; Be sure to wear rubber gloves and old clothing when handling it. Ask me how I know...

How do you know? Pics or it didn't happen!

I think I'll try this, there's a lot of reviews with photos, all positive. My cowl needs it.

 

[TequilaWarrior]

I somehow missed this discussion until now.
I used a heat gun to restore some of my severely faded black trim on my Bravada... looks "nearly" brand new. A little glossy, but close to factory. Applying heat requires constant motion and extreme care.

 

[Sqrly]

I somehow missed this discussion until now.
I used a heat gun to restore some of my severely faded black trim on my Bravada... looks "nearly" brand new. A little glossy, but close to factory. Applying heat requires constant motion and extreme care.

The Forever Black Bumper & Trim 6 Oz hockeyman linked is like $16 and there's a lot of good looking before and after photos from people. There's some negative reviews as well but some of those are user error as usual.

The cowl comes off really easy so I'm going to give it a try. If it doesn't come out well or last long enough I can always get out the heat gun.

 

[Sqrly]

The Product arrived and I have applied it. It goes on like paint and if you leave visible brush strokes, that's what you'll end up with. It came with a foam brush and it worked well for applying it. I poured some into a tiny plastic container just big enough to dip the brush in . I did apply 2 coats which took less than 1oz of the product. Clean up was simple, it seems to be water based.

Obviously you need to clean the surface before appling it. I removed it and used a scrub brush and my normal carwash solution of water and dawn dish soap.

It looks much better. We'll see how long it lasts.

Note: I use Rustoleum Textured Black spray paint for the wiper arms. It makes them look like new.

Before



After